NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the 2nd time in a week on Friday to lodge a protest against repeated attacks on commercial ships off the Oman coast with Indians on board.“A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” MEA said in an official statement.“The ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time,” it added.This comes a day after Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman, was attacked by the US navy, claiming that the ship had violated the US blockade against Iran in the region.“The US Chargé d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life,” the statement said.MEA had called for an end to such attacks and “unimpeded and safe navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law amid the ongoing crises in the Middle East.“We have stated our position in the Strait of Hormuz. We would like, we want, and we have urged that there be unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping with international law. So that is our position. This is a topic which will come up for discussion, and we’ll put our points across,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.Three commercial ships, including Palau-flagged vessels MT Marivex and MT Settebello, have been disbaled by the US navy within a week, which has led to the death of three Indians.
What should be the international community response to the reported attacks on commercial vessels?
